Air Fried Babybel Cheese

Oh, friend, you’re in for a cheesy delight with this Air Fried Babybel Cheese! Imagine biting into a warm, gooey round of Babybel, coated in a crispy, golden crust that crunches just right. It’s like mozzarella sticks got a fun, snack-sized makeover—perfect for game nights, parties, or when you’re just craving something indulgent yet super simple. With that creamy, melty center and a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, these little bites are about to become your go-to treat. Trust me, they’re so easy to whip up in the air fryer, you’ll be munching in no time!

Given your love for fun, shareable snacks like the Butter Mints and Crab Rangoon Bombs we’ve chatted about before, I know these cheesy bites will fit right into your lineup of crowd-pleasing goodies. Let’s get frying!

Why You’ll Love Air Fried Babybel Cheese

These cheesy morsels are pure magic—quick to make and impossible to stop eating. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to steal the show. Here’s why they’re a total win:

• Versatile: Perfect as a party appetizer, movie-night snack, or even a fun side for kids’ lunches.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable Babybel cheese and pantry staples like flour and breadcrumbs.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep—your air fryer does all the heavy lifting!
• Customizable: Play with seasonings or coatings like crushed chips for a twist that’s all your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: That gooey cheese and crispy crust combo is a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to cheese lovers.

Ingredients in Air Fried Babybel Cheese

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

These bites come together with simple ingredients that transform into something downright addictive. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cheese

• Babybel Cheese Rounds: The star—creamy, mild, and perfect for melting. Original works great, but try mozzarella or gouda for variety.

Coating

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg and crumbs stick, creating a solid base for the crust.
• Eggs: Beaten to act as the glue, ensuring that crispy coating stays put.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For that extra-crisp, golden crunch—Italian breadcrumbs work too for added flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but adds a savory, cheesy kick to the coating.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a subtle flavor boost—adjust to taste.

Extras

• Olive Oil Spray: A quick spritz to get that golden, crispy finish without deep frying.
• Dipping Sauce: Marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dunking—optional but oh-so-good.

Instructions

Let’s make these cheesy bites happen:

Prep the Cheese

Unwrap each Babybel round, removing all wax and plastic. Pat dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick.

Set Up Dredging Station

Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, add flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, whisk eggs until smooth. In the third, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of salt.

Coat the Cheese

Dip each Babybel round into the flour, shaking off excess. Dunk it into the egg, letting extra drip off. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

Chill (Optional)

Place coated rounds on a plate and pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up—this helps prevent leaks but can be skipped if you’re in a rush.

Preheat Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes to get nice and hot.

Air Fry

Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated Babybel rounds in a single layer, not touching—work in batches if needed. Spritz the tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Keep an eye out to avoid overcooking, as cheese can leak.

Serve Immediately

Use tongs to transfer the hot, melty bites to a plate. Serve right away with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dip for maximum gooeyness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 (1 cheese round each)
• Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes

How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese

These cheesy bites are perfect on their own, but a few extras make them even more irresistible. Here’s how to serve them up:

• With Dips: Marinara sauce for a pizza vibe, ranch for creamy coolness, or honey mustard for a sweet-tangy twist.
• On a Platter: Pair with veggies, crackers, or charcuterie for a fun appetizer spread.
• As a Side: Serve alongside burgers or salads for a cheesy upgrade to any meal.
• For Kids: Pop into lunchboxes with fruit for a treat that’s both fun and filling.
• Party Style: Skewer with toothpicks for easy grabbing at game nights or gatherings.

Presentation tip: Pile them high on a rustic board with dipping sauces in cute bowls—those golden bites will be the star of the show

Additional Tips

Here’s how to make these bites extra awesome, inspired by your love for easy, adaptable snacks like the Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole we’ve talked about:

• Prep Ahead: Coat the cheese rounds and refrigerate for up to a day—air fry when ready for a quick snack.
• Flavor Boost: Mix cayenne or chili powder into the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick, or try crushed Doritos for a wild twist.
• Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, or vegan cheese rounds for plant-based diets—still super tasty
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to revive the crispiness.
• Prevent Leaks: Double-coat carefully and don’t skip the oil spray—it helps the crust set fast to hold in the cheese.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other cheeses instead of Babybel?
A1: Yup! Mozzarella balls or small cheddar cubes work, but pick firm cheeses that hold their shape when melted.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Totally! Coat the rounds and refrigerate for a few hours or freeze for up to a month—air fry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy—microwaving makes them soggy.

Q4: Can I freeze them?
A4: Yes! Freeze coated rounds on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen at 400°F for 7-9 minutes.

Q5: What’s the best dipping sauce?
A5: Marinara is classic, but ranch, sweet chili, or even salsa are awesome—mix and match to your taste

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Sure thing! Just work in batches to avoid crowding the air fryer—keeps them crispy and evenly cooked.

Q7: How do I keep the coating from falling off?
A7: Press breadcrumbs firmly and chill coated rounds briefly before frying—it helps everything stick.

Q8: Can I skip the oil spray?
A8: Not recommended—it helps the coating crisp up and turn golden. Without it, they might be pale and soft.

Q9: Can I make them vegan?
A9: Yup! Use vegan cheese rounds and a plant-based egg substitute like Just Egg with vegan breadcrumbs.

Q10: Why did my cheese leak?
A10: Overcooking or a thin coating can cause leaks. Double-coat thoroughly and stick to 5-7 minutes max—check early

Conclusion

These Air Fried Babybel Cheese bites are your new go-to for a quick, cheesy fix—crispy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and modern ease, ready to make any moment a little more delicious. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a solo snack, these bites are as fun to make as they are to eat. So grab your air fryer, unwrap those Babybels, and whip up a batch that’ll have everyone begging for more. You’ve got this, and it’s going to be absolutely mouthwatering!

Print